Meanwhile, many activists are excited by the recent memo from US Attorney General Eric Holder’s office indicating the federal government will not interfere with states that legalize marijuana. Prosecutors, however, have pointed out that their job is to enforce the law, not a memo. So until federal and state laws change and marijuana is legalized, there will continue to be people pursued for marijuana crimes at the federal and state level.

And, while the new state marijuana laws may protect patients and recreational users from arrest, prosecution, and incarceration, what about those who are already doing time?

Experts agree: citizens can — and should! — take action by contacting their governor, and the president, and urging them to pardon non-violent marijuana offenders. It’s a simple act citizens can do, whether or not marijuana policies have been changed.